Coordinated tape feed and photosensitive sensing mechanism



March 16, 1965 G. A. GlANNUZZi COORDINATED TAPE FEED AND PHOTOSENSITIVESENSING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed June 5, 1959 ATM/ME)March 16, 1965 G. A. GIANNUZZI 3,174,047

cooanmmao TAPE FEED AND mowosausmvz SENSING uscmmxsu Original Filed June5, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 16, 1965 s. A. GIANNUZZI .COORDINATEDTAPE 'FEEDYAND PHOTOSENSITIVE SENSING MECHANISM 5 sheets-Sheet 3Original Filed June 5. 1959 Lil FIG. 3

March 16, 1965 G. A. GIANNUZZI 3,174,047

COORDINATED TAPE FEED AND PHOTOSENSITIVE SENSING MECHANISM OriginalFiled June 5, 1959 Sheets-Sheet 4 116 21s r 209 I1 1 211 1 235 "2 3''FIG] 0 o o oo o o oo o o o o o o o o o o o March 16, 1965 G. A.GIANNUZZI 3,174,!)47

COORDINATBD TAPE FEED AND PHOTOSENSITIVE SENSING MECHANISM OriginalFiled June 5, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 L, be?! fPs 150 AMP W SIGNAL rnonTAPE 1 United States Patent 3,174,047 COORDINATED TAPE FEED ANDPHOTGSENSI- TIVE SENSING MECHANISM George A. Giannuzzi, Vestal, N.Y.,assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N.Y.,a corporation of New York Original application June 5, 1959, Ser. No.818,399, now Patent No. 3,092,295, dated June 4, 1963. Divided and thisapplication Feb. 26, 1962, Ser. No. 175,466

Claims. (Cl. 250219) This invention relates to a record sensing devicewhich is coordinated with record feeding means with the sensing deviceunder control of the coordinated rec-0rd feeding means. This arrangementenables continuous operation of the record sensing device where therecord being sensed is in the web or strip form.

This application is a division of the copending application of G. A.Giannuzzi, Serial No. 818,399, filed June 5, 1959, now US. Patent No.3,092,295, dated June 4, 1963.

The present invention, while having broader application, permits thecontinuous sensing of perforations entered in coded form in a papertape, such as the type utilized in computer or telegraphic systems, at areading speed of approximately 800 characters per second; including theability to arrest the tape within one character space after detecting anend of record perforation or otherwise receiving a stop signal so thatthe very next perforation or character may be sensed upon the startingof the tape.

Continuous operation of mechanism for feeding the tapes containing therecords relative to the sensing device is achieved without splicing theend of the tape being sensed to the end of a standby tape. Theperforations in the tape are sensed by optical apparatus which isarranged to sense the perforations entered in the tapes which aredisposed in two different paths arranged symmetrically about the sensingdevice. Hence, a tape may be fed relative to the sensing device while astandby tape is positioned for feeding so that, when the sensing of onetape has been completed, the other tape will be ready to be sensed. Inthis manner continuous operation may be accomplished.

The feeding and stopping of tapes, as mentioned above, is achieved bymagnetic means. The tapes are each threaded between a drive capstan,capable of being rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction,and friction rollers mounted opposite each other in proximity to and innormally spaced relation with the drive capstan. The friction rollersare carried by the armatures of a common magnet. Upon energization ofthe magnet, the friction rollers press the tape against the drivecapstan to establish a driving connection between the capstan and thetapes. However, it is proposed to have one tape stand by while the othertape is being fed relative to the sensing device. Accordingly, to enableonly one tape at a time to be fed relative to the sensing device by theapparatus just described, mechanism is provided to selectively move thearmature carrying the friction roller associated with the standby tapeout of the range of attraction of the magnet. This mechanism also hasthe facility for moving the armature into the attracting range of themagnet upon completion of the sensing of the other record.

The mechanism for arresting the movement of the tapes within onecharacter space includes an armature for clamping the associated tapeagainst an anvil member. Similar to the arrangement for feeding thetapes, the armatures for clamping the tapes against the associatedanvils are attracted by a common magnet. The mechanism mentioned abovefor selectively moving the armatures carrying the friction rollers outof the attracting range of the magnet is also utilized for selectivelyshifting the armatures for clamping the tapes against the anvils out3,174,047 Patented Mar. 16, 1955 of the attracting range of theassociated magnet. When the magnet for attracting the armatures carryingthe friction rollers is energized for starting the feeding of the tapes,the magnet for attracting the armatures for clamping the records againstthe anvils to arrest the tapes is de-energized; and vice versa when thefunctions are reversed.

The armatures are very close to the pole pieces of their associatedmagnets when in the operating range thereof. When sensing a tape,approximately .004 inch thick, the armatures are spaced approximately.002 inch from the pole pieces of the magnets. The armatures forarresting the movement of the tapes are biased to drag on the tapes;however, the armatures carrying the friction drive rollers are biasedout of contact with the tape. The arrangement just described permitscontinuous high-speed operation with an economy of elements.

Thus it is a prime object of this invention to provide an improvedarrangement of apparatus for feeding record elements in web formrelative to the sensing device which enables continuous sensing ofrecord elements at a relatively high speed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement ofapparatus for feeding record elements in web form relative to a sensingdevice which enables continuous sensing of record elements at relativelyhigh speeds with an economy of apparatus.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an arrangement ofapparatus for feeding record elements in web form relative to thesensing device which permits the threading of a standby record elementwithin its associated feeding apparatus While another record is beingfed.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus forfeeding record elements in web form relative to a sensing device whichenables rewinding one record element while another record element isbeing sensed.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus forselectively feeding record elements disposed in different paths relativeto a common sensing means which utilizes a common actuating means forbringing the record feeding and arresting apparatus for any of therecord elements into an operative position and which includes apparatusassociated with each of the record feeding and arresting apparatus toselectively bring the same into operating range of the common actuatingmeans.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustratedin the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view schematically illustrating the tapereader,

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the mechanism for enabling thetapes to be selectively driven relative to the sensing mechanism,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the right half of the mechanism shown in FIG.2,

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the magnet and armaturesassociated therewith for arresting the tapes relative to the sensingmechanism,

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the magnet and armature-sassociated therewith for facilitating the driving of the tapes relativeto the sensing mechanism,

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the perforated tape,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the right half of the mechanism shown inFIG. 2, and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the circuitry for conrtolling the tape feed andsensing mechanisms.

With reference to the drawings and, particularly, to FIG. 1, theinvention is shown by way of an example as a machine 10 for processingperforated record tapes 20 and q o 30 fed in different paths relative toa common sensing means 40. As shown, the tape is being sensed while thetape is ready to be sensed upon completion of the sensing of tape 20Each of the tapes 20 and 30 is perforated in coded form to representdata, as in FIG. 6.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the tapes 2i) and 3% are contained upon reelsor spools 21 and 31 which are positioned to be rotated about centers 22and 32, respectively. As the tapes 20 and 30 are fed relative to thesensing means 40, they may be taken up or wound upon reels =23 and 33which are mounted to rotate about centers 24 and 34, respectively.

The tapes 20 and 30 unwind from the reels 21 and 31 and pass over idlerrolls 25 and 35 and spaced rolls 26, 27 and 36, 37 carried by tensionarms 28 and 38, respec tively. The tension arms 28 and 38 are biased bysprings 29 and 39, so as to urge by means of the rolls 26, 27 and 36, 37the tapes 20 and 30 to pass around idler rolls 41 and 51 as theycontinue around rolls 27 and 37. The tapes 20 and 30 pass from aroundthe rolls 27 and 37 to the front of spaced in line rolls 42, 43 and 52,53, respectively.

As the tapes 20 and 30 pass around rolls 43 and 53, they enter thesensing means 40. The path of the tapes 20 and 30 through the sensingmeans 46 will be described in greater detail later herein. At the pointwhere the tapes 20 and 30 emerge from the sensing means, rolls 44 and 54are respectively positioned. As it will be seen, the tape paths aresymmetrical about the sensing means 40. The tapes 20 and 30 pass overrolls 44 and 54 and over rolls 45 and spaced therefrom. The continuedpaths of the tapes 20 and 30 takes them about rolls 46 and 56 carried bytension arms 47 and 57, about idler rolls 48 and 53, about rolls 49 and59 also carried by the tension arms 47 and 57, about idler rolls 61 and71, and onto the reels 23 and 33, respectively. The tension arms 47 and57 are biased by springs 62 and 72, respectively.

The arrangement of the tension arms 28, 38 and 47, 57 provides for easyinsertion of the tapes 20 and 30 into the machine 10. When threading thetapes 213 and 30 into the machine, the tension arms 28, 38 and 47, 57are merely manually rotated one at a time away from their associatedstops 63, 64 and 73, 74 to a position beyond the tape paths and then areallowed to swing against the respective tapes.

The paying out of the tapes 2t) and 30 from the reels 21 and 31 and thetaking'up of the records upon the reels 23 and 33 may be accomplished byany of the well-known servomechanisms already provided for thesefunctions.

To facilitate the rewinding of a tape While another tape is being sensedby the sensing means 40, the reel containing the tape to be rewound isplaced upon a stud element 66. The tape is then threaded onto an emptyreel positioned to rotate about centers 22 or 32.

The tapes 20 and 30 are fed relative to the sensing means 40, FIG. 2, ata constant rate by means of a drive capstan 100 mounted on a shaft 101journaled in a mountingplate 102 and extending therethrough to be drivenat a constant speed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise directionby a motor M, FIG. 8. The center of the drive capstan 100, FIG. 2, issituated at the apex of a triangle formed by lines joining the centersof the drive capstan, the roll 44 and the roll '54. The mechanism forcooperating with the drive capstan 100 to feed the tape 20 relative tothe sensing means 40 is identical to the cooperating mechanism forfeeding the tape 30. In order to feed the tape 20, a friction driveroller 104 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 105 fixed between the lowerend of spaced arms 106 and 107, FIG. 7, of an armature 168 of a magnet109, shown in FIG. 2.

The armature 108 is pivotally mounted upon a pin 111 extending outwardlyfrom a bracket 1 10 adjustably attached to a base casting bracket 110arigidly fixed to the mounting plate 102. A U-shaped channeled member112, FIG. 7, having a base 113 and outwardly extending sides 114 and 115is fastened between or integral with the spaced 4 arms 106 and 107intermediate of the ends thereof. The depth of the channel in the member112 is critical to th extent that, when the armature 108 is attracted tothe magnet 10), there is adequate space for the record 20 to passthrough the channel without interference, as shown in FIG. 5.

Before completing the description of the armature 108, greater detailsof the magnet 10? will be given. The structure of the magnet 189'is bestshown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The magnet 109 has a spool-shaped core 116having a central member 117 integral with end members 118'and 119, Theend members 118 and 119 are of rectangular configuration and have flatsurfaces "121, 122 and 123, 124, respectively. 71 he flat surfaces 121and 123 provide a seat for the sides 114 and 115 of the channeled member112 when the magnet 109 is energized.

The central member 117 of the core 116 is embraced by coil windings 126which wrap therearound to partially till the area between the endmembers 118 and 1-19. Insulation elements 127 and 128 are situatedbetween the coil windings 126 and the end members 118 and 119;

In order to provide a mounting means and a surface against which thetape may ride, a rectangular piece of non-magnetic tubing 131 surroundsthe coil windings 126 so that the outer surfaces of the tubing 131 whichlie in the path of the tapes are flush with the end members 118 and 119of the core 116. In fact, the tubing 131 and the end members 118 and 119are ground flush to present a very flat surface for the tapes. In FIG.5, a layer of insulation 132. is disposed between the coil windings 126and the tubing 131. The insulation 132 may be of any suitable type, andgood results have been achieved with resin potting compound.

In order to assemble the core 116 and coil windings 126 in the tubing131, either of the end members 118 or 119 of the core 116 are insertedinto the tubing 131 with the core 116 being turned to enable the endmembers to enter the tubing 131. After the tubing 131 is around thecentral member 117, the core 116 is rotated 90 to bring the flatsurfaces 121, 122, 123 and 124 into the tape paths whereby the endmembers 118 and 119 of the core 116 flank the sides of the tubing 131.Resin potting compound may then be introduced to fix the tubing 131 inposition relative to the core 116 and also serve to perform theinsulation function of elements 127, 128 and 132.

The tubing 131 is rigidly mounted, as by welding, to depend from thebase casting bracket 110a, FIG. 2. It is necessary for effectiveoperation to have the core 116, by means of the tubing 131, rigidly heldin place because the armature exerts considerable force when it isattracted to the core 116 as the magnet 109 is energized,

An armature 136, similar to the armature 108, is also pivotally mountedtobe attracted by the magnet 109. However, mechanism, which will bedescribed later herein, is provided to selectively move either armatureout of the range of attraction of the magnet 109. The armature 136 ispivotally mounted upon a pin 137 extending outwardly from a bracket 138adjustably attached to the base casting bracket 110a. The reason forhaving the pins 111 and 137 extending from the adjustable bracketsrather than the base casting bracket 11011 is to facilitate adjustmentof the armatures 108 and 136 so that the friction drive roller 104,carried by the armature 108, and friction drive roller 139, carried bythe armature 136, may bebrought squarely into contact with the drivecapstan and thereby prevent feeding the tapes askew. Since the armatures108 and 136 are identical in structure, like parts making up thearmatures are given like reference characters. It should be understoodthat the capstan 100 rotates in a clockwise direction to feed the tape20 in cooperation with the friction drive roller 104 and in acounterclockwise direction to feed the tape 30 in cooperation with thefriction roller 139. The reversal of the direction of rotation of thecapstan 100 will be described later herein.

The tapes and are brought to a stop within the space of one character bymeans of a magnet 150, PEG. 2. Armatures 151 and 152 are pivotallymounted to be attracted by the magnet 150. As the armatures 151 and 152are attracted by the magnet 150, they pinch the tapes 2-0 and 30,respectively, against flat surfaces of nonmagnetic tubing 153surrounding coil windings 154 of the magnet in much the same manner inwhich the tubing 131 surrounds the coil windings 126 of the magnet 109.The tubing 153, in this instance, not only serves as a means formounting the magnet 150 and for providing surfaces upon which the tapesmay ride but it also provides anvils or supporting surfaces, againstwhich the tapes may be pressed to arrest the movement thereof. While themagnet 150 is substantially identical to the magnet 109, the armatures151 and 152 are different from the armatures 108 and 136. The import-antdifference between the armatures associated with the magnet 150 is thata channeled member 156, FIG. 4, bridging arms 157 and 158 of thearmatures 151 and 152, in a manner similar to that of the channeledmember 112, has sides 161 and 162 which are of such length as to permitthe base of the channeled member 156 to press against the tapes when themagnet 150 is energized. In fact, the armatures 151 and 152, FIG. 2, arenormally biased by springs 163 and 164 so that the base of the channeledmember 156 lightly presses upon the tapes as the same are being fedrelative to the sensing means 40. The armatures 108 and 136 are biasedby springs 142 and 143 away from the tapes so that the friction driverollers 104 and 139 do not drag upon the tapes. Of course, the tapesride clear of the base of channeled members 112 of the armatures 108 and136.

The magnet 150 is mounted by means of the tubing 153 which is rigidlyattached to a base casting bracket 165 which is rigidly attached to themounting plate 102. The magnet 150 is mounted in line but spaced fromthe magnet 109. The armatures 151 and 152 are pivotally mounted uponpins 166 and 167 extending outwardly from brackets 168 and 169adjustably attached to the base casting bracket 165.

While both armatures 151 and 152 may be attracted by the magnet 150, thearmatures 151 and 152 are selectively movable out of the attractingrange of the magnet 150. The mechanism utilized for selectively movingthe armatures 108 and 136 out of the range of attraction of the magnet109 is also utilized for selectively moving the armatures 151 and 152out of the attracting range of magnet 150. The flux paths establishedupon energization of the magnets 109 and 150 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 4,respectively. It is seen in FIG. 2 that the armatures 136 and 152 havebeen moved out of the range of attraction of the magnets 109 and 150,respectively.

The mechanism for selectively moving the armatures 108 and 151 out ofthe range of attraction of magnets 109 and 150, respectively, issubstantially identical to the mechanism for moving the armatures 136and 152 out of the range of attraction of magnets 109 and 150respectively. The armatures are not only selectively moved out of theoperating range of the magnets but are positioned remotely to enableeasy insertion of the tapes.

The armatures associated with the tape which has just been sensed areautomatically, upon completion of the sensing thereof, moved to a remoteposition. The armatures associated with a standby tape are automaticallymoved into the range of attraction of the magnets upon completion of thesensing operation of the running tape, and the standby tape is startedby energizing the magnet 109 and de-energizing the magnet 150. Provisionis made to suspend operation if the standby tape is not in fact inposition for permitting the feeding thereof relative to the sensingmechanism.

Broadly, upon completion of sensing the running tape; for example, tape30, FIG. 2, a signal is generated to energize a solenoid 170 foractuating linkages to move the 6 armatures 136 and 152 associated withthe running tape 30 to a remote position from their related magnets 109and 150, respectively.

With the solenoid 170 energized, the armatures 136 and 152 are not onlypositioned out of the range of attraction of the magnets 109 and 150,but they are sufiiciently clear of the magnets to permit easy insertionof a new tape 30 which will then stand by so as to be ready to be fedwhen the tape 20 runs out. As the tape 20 runs out, the solenoid 170 isde-energized and a solenoid 198 is energized. The solenoid 190, whenenergized, actuates linkages 200 to move the armatures 108 and 151 to aremote position from the related magnets 109 and 150, respectively.De-energization of the solenoid 170 operates the linkages 180 to movethe armatures 136 and 152 into the range of attraction of the magnets109 and 150.

The linkages 180 are substantially identical to the linkages 200. It isseen in FEGS. 2 and 7 that the solenoid has a downward extending coremember 191 made up of a series of inverted T-shaped laminations 192which are fixed between outer strap members 193 having their endspinched together. The strap members 193 and laminations 192 are securedtogether by rivets 194 or other like fastening elements so as to movetogether as a unit. The pinched ends of the strap members 193 areattached to flanking links 195 and 196 at one of the ends thereof bymeans of a pin 197. The links 195 and 196 also flank and are attached toa horizontally disposed link 198 by a pin 199. The link 198 is rigidlyattached to a pin 201 which extends laterally through a spacer orbushing 292, a link 203, and into the mounting plate 102. The pin 201 isjournaled in the mounting plate 102, but the link 203 is rigidlyattached to the pin 201. Hence, the core member 191 of the solenoid 190moves up or down, the pin 201 and the links 198 and 203 will be rotated;the direction of rotation depends upon which direction the core member191 is moving.

The link 203 effectively acts to move the armatures 108 and 151. Thelower end of the link 203 carries an outwardly projecting pin 204 whichis in engagement with a curved portion of an S-shaped extension 205 ofthe armature arm 107. The upper end of the link 203 carries an outwardlyprojecting pin 206 which is engaged with the convergent end of a taperedor wedge-shaped extension 207 of the armature 151. By the linkagearrangement so far described, the armatures 108 and 151 are moved out ofthe range of attraction of the magnets 109 and 150 when the solenoid 190is energized. Energization of the solenoid 190 causes the link 203 topivot counterclockwise and, as the link 203 pivots counterclockwise,pins 204 and 206 cam the extensions 205 and 207 counterclockwise aboutthe centers of the pins 111 and 166 and thereby carry the armatures 108and 151 away from the magnets 109 and 150.

The link 203 also serves an additional function, which is to move a tapesensing lever 2-12 away from the tape 20. The pin 206 projecting fromthe upper end of the link 203 also journales a dog 208 having a tailmember 209, a downwardly extending or depending leg 210, and an arm 211.The depending leg 210 carries an outwardly extending lip 213 forreceiving one end of a spring 214 having its other end attached to alever 216. The spring 214 normally urges the dog 208 so that the leg 210engages a pin 217 spaced from the pin 206 and fixed to project outwardlyfrom the upper end of the link 203. Hence, the dog 2&8 is normallymaintained in a fixed position relative to the link 203. Further, theend of the arm 211 of the dog 208 is provided with a notch 218 forreceiving a lip 219 projecting outwardly from the upper end of the lever2 16. The lever 216 is rigidly attached to a shaft 221 which extendsthrough and is journaled in the mounting plate 102. The reason that theshaft 221 extends through the mounting plate is that the shaft 221carries a tape sensing lever contact C1, not shown in FIG. 2 but shownin FIG.

'2 8, for indicating the presence and absence of a tape. Also, the shaft221 extends through the lever 216 to terminate in a rectangular section222 which facilitates the mountingof the tape sensing lever 212. It willbe noted that the rectangular section 222 permits the tape sensing lever212 to be mounted in different positions therealong so as to accommodatedifferent width tapes because the tape sensing lever 212 has a laterallyextending hp 223 which serves as an edge guide for the tape. Themechanism just described will be effective to move the tape sensinglever 212 to a remote position upon the solenoid 190 becoming energized.In this manner, a new tape may easily be inserted because the tapesensing lever 212 whichis normally biased-into the tape path by means ofthe spring 214, has been positioned remotely of the tape path by thesolenoid 190. Of course, when a tape is positioned in the tape path, thetape sensing lever 212- rests upon the tape and the spring 214 isprevented from bringing the lip 219 of the lever 216 against the edge ofthe notch 213 formed in the arm 211. of the dog 208. However, when thetape runs out, the tape sensing lever 212 and the lever 216 pivot clockwise so that the lip 219 engages the edge of the notch 213 in the arm211. Hence, as the solenoid 190 is energized to pivot the link 203counterclockwise, the dog 202% through its arm 211 pivots the lever 216counterclockwise and thereby pivots the tape sensing lever 212counterclockwise to move it to a remote position out of the tape path.Although the solenoid 190 remains energized until tape 30 has beencompletely sensed, it is desirable to load a new tape 20 into positionso that it will be ready for sensing prior to runout of tape 30.Further, the tape sensing lever 212 is to be positioned to sense the newtape 20 to indicate that there is in fact a new tape in position andready for sensing. In order to accomplish this, the arm 211 of the dog208 must be pivoted counterclockwise to permit the lip 219 of the lever216 to clear the notch 218 in the arm 211. e .ce, with the lip 219 clearof the notch 218, the lever 216 may pivot clockwise to bring the tapesensing lever 212 against the newly inserted tape The arm 211 is pivotedcounterclockwise to permit the action just described to take place bymeans of a tape ready lever 226. The tape ready lever 226 is rigidlyattached to a shaft 227 journaled in and extending through the mountingplate 102. ready contact C2, shown schematically in FIG. 8. The tapeready lever 226 is adapted to be detented in two different positions bymeans of a spring 228 which is fastened at one end to a pin 229projecting from the lever 226 and to a pin 231 projecting from themounting plate 102 through an elongated slot 232 in the lever 226. Theends of the slot 232 determine the two positions in which the tape readylever 226 will be biased by the spring 228. If the center of the pin2539 lies above the center of the stationary pin 231, the lower end ofthe slot will be held against the pin 229; and, if the lever 226 isshifted so that the center of the pin 229 is moved below the center ofthe pin 231, then the upper end of the slot will be held against the pin231 by the spring 228. The tape ready lever 226, essentially, has on oneend a button 233 to facilitate manual depression of the lever, anintermediately positioned downward and outwardly projecting or offsetarm 234 disposed to engage the lower end of the laminations 192 of thesolenoid core 191, and at the other end an offset and upwardlyprojecting arm 236 adapted to engage the tail 209 of the dog 208 whenthe tape ready lever 226 is pushed downward or manually pivotedclockwise. It is thus seen that movement of the tape ready lever 226 isfor the purpose of pivoting the dog 208 and for actuating contact C2, aswill be discussed in more detail later herein. Of course, the tape readylever 226 should be pushed downward only when the solenoid 190 isenergized and when a new tape 20 has been inserted into position to besensed. While the The shaft 227 carries a tape 212, also serves twofunctions.

tape ready lever 226 is manually pushed downward to :slgnal that a newtape has been inserted and is ready to be sensed, it is restoredautomatically by the solenoid wcore 191 which is urged downward by aspring 237 when the solenoid 190 of the solenoid core 191 becomesdeenergized. The laminations 192 of the solenoid core 191 engage theoffset arm 234 of the tape ready lever 226 to pivot it counterclockwiseto the restore position.

The linkage 180 is identical to the linkage 200 which has just beendescribed. The linkage 180 is operated by the solenoid 170 which has acore 241 comprising inver'ted T-shaped laminations 242 flanked by straps243. The straps 243 are pinched together at one end which is connectedto flanking links 244 by a pin 246. The links 244 are attached by a pin247 to a horizontal link 248 rigidly attached to a shaft 249 which isjournaled in the :mounting plate 102. A link 251 is also rigidly securedto the shaft 249 but spaced from the link 248. The lower end of the link251 has a pin 252 projecting outwardly therefrom to engage an S-shapedextension 253 :of the armature arm 107 of the armature 136. The upperend of the link 251 has a pin 254 projecting outwardly therefrom onwhich a dog 256 is pivotally mountod. The pin 254, in addition toproviding a support for tine dog 256, also acts to cam a tapered orwedge-shaped extension 257 of the armature 152. The extension 257 isheld in engagement with the pin 254 by means of the spring 164.

The dog 256, similar to the dog 208, has a tail member 258, a dependingleg 359, and an arm 261. The depending leg 259 carries an outwardlyextending lip 260 for receiving one end of a spring 262 having its otherend attached to a lever 263. The spring 262 normally urges the dog 256so that the leg 259 engages a pin 264 spaced from the pin 254 and fixedto project outwardly from the upper end of the link 251.

The lever 263 is rigidly attached to a shaft 266 which is journaled inand extends through the mounting plate 102. The portion of the shaft 266extend-ing through the mounting plate is not shown in FIG. 2, but itcarries a contact C3 shown in FIG. 8. The shaft 266 is provided with arectangular section similar to that of shaft 221 for adjustably mountinga tape sensing lever 267. The tape sensing lever 267, like the tapesensing lever It serves to sense the presence or absence of tape 30 andhas a laterally extending lip 268 for laterally guiding the tape 30. Thetape sensing lever 267 is biased into the tape path by means of thespring 262 which tends to urge the lever 263 counterclockwise andthereby urge the lever 267 into the tape path. The upper end of thelever 263 has an outwardly projecting flange 269 for engaging a notch271 provided in the extreme end of the dog arm 261. It is seen in FIG. 2that the tape sensing lever 267 is held out of the tape path because thesolenoid 170 is energized. When there isnt any interference such as bythe tape being sensed, the spring 262 urges the flange 269 against theshoulder of the notch 271 in the dog arm 261. Hence, when the link 251is pivoted clockwise as the solenoid 170 is energized, the dog arm 261pivots the lever 263 clockwise, thereby pivoting the tape sensing lever267 to the position shown. Further, the pin 254 on the link 251 cams thetapered armature extension 257 clockwise, thereby moving the armature152 out of the range of attraction of the magnet 150, while the pin 252on the link 251 acts upon the S-shaped extension 253 to move thearmature 136 out of the range of attraction of the armature 109.

With the .armatures 136 and 152 and the tape sensing lever 267 moved outof the tape path, a new tape 30 may be inserted into position. After thenew tape 30 has been positioned, a tape ready lever 273, rigidlyattached to a shaft 274 journaled in and extending through the mountingplate 102, is depressed. The portion of the shaft 274 which extendsthrough the mounting plate 9 102 carries a contact C4, shown in FIG. 8,whose function will be described later herein. The tape ready lever 273is held in its depressed position by means of a spring 276 attached onone end to a pin 277 projecting from the lever 273 and a pin 278 fixedto project from the mounting plate 102 and extend through a slot 279 inthe lever 273. When the tape ready lever 273 is depressed manually bypushing a button 281 fixed to one end of the lever 273, a finger 282projecting upwardly from the other end of lever 273 engages the tail 258of the dog 256 to pivot it clockwise. As the dog 256 pivots clockwise,the shoulder of the notch 271 on the dog arm 261 is moved downward andout of the way of the flange 269 on the lever 263. This permits thespring 262 to urge the lever 263 counterclockwise and thereby rotate theshaft 266 counterclockwise to bring the tape sensing lever 267 againstthe newly inserted tape 30. The lever 263, not the dog 256, will pivotafter the flange 269 clears the notch 271 because the dog leg 259engages the pin 264.

The depressed lever 281 is restored to the position shown in FIG. 2 whenthe solenoid 170 becomes deenergized. The core 242 engages an offset arm283 projecting outwardly from the tape ready lever 273 to pivot the sameclockwise as the solenoid 170 de-energizes and is restored by the spring284.

The foregoing describes the mechanism for selectively moving andarresting the tapes and relative to the sensing mechanism 40. Thesensing mechanism 40, briefly described, consists of light sources 291and 292 disposed adjacent to lenses 293 and 294, respectively. Thelenses 293 and 294 direct light rays from the light sources 291 and 292toward light choppers 296 and 297, respectively. In order to sense theperforations in the tapes 20 and 30 at the high speeds mentioned, it isnecessary to mechanically chop the light source. The light chopperscomprise cylindrical housings 298 having a plurality of spaced slots 299formed therein, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The light choppers 296 and297 are otherwise quite conventional and are mounted to be rotated bydriving means, not shown. The light rays chopped by the choppers 296 and297 impinge upon mirrored surfaces 301 and 302 of a rectangularly shapedmember 303 fixed within and to the base of a housing 304.

The light rays, of course, cannot impinge upon the mirrored surfaces 301and 302 if there arent any perforations in the tapes 20 and 30. Theperforations in the tapes 20 and 30 are entered in channels and in coderform to represent data. Since the perforations are in discrete channelsof the tape, a series of corresponding light responsive elements 306 maybe fixed in the upper portion of the housing 304 to become energized bylight rays permitted by the perforations in the tape to enter thehousing 304. The circuits leading from the light responsive elements 306are not shown and will not be discussed because they do not concern thepresent invention. When the sensing of either tape 20 or 30 has beencompleted, either of the light sources 291 and 292 associated with thetapes 20 and 30 may be turned off and on as appropriate so as to enablethe sensing of the standby tape. The sensing means 40, as justdescribed, enables either tape 20 or 30 to be sensed with an economy ofelements.

The circuitry for enabling selective sensing of the tapes 20 and 30 isshown in FIG. 8. The circuitry will be more clearly understood if itwill be remembered that the magnets 109 and 150 will never be energizedat the same time. Normally, the solenoids 170 and 190 will not beenergized simultaneously. Further, the light sources 291 and 292normally will not be on at the same time. The circuitry shown in FIG. 8illustrates the condition of the various electrical and electronicdevices prior to power being applied by closing the switch PS whichconnects to the +48 volt supply.

In order that the magnets 109 and 150 will not be simultaneouslyenergized, a bistable latch L has one input connected to a terminal 311and to a contact of a manually operated start key SK. The terminal 311is connected to a computer or other like device for signaling the tapereader to start. However, the condition of the latch L at the initialtime of starting is unknown; hence, it may be reset by the start key SKwhich also may function to eifect the starting of the reader.

The latch L also has an input connected to a terminal 312 and to acontact of a stop key STK. The terminal 312 is connected to circuitry ofthe tape reader for transmitting an impulse upon the sensing of a stopperforation in the tape. The other contacts of the start and stop keysST and STK are connected to the switch PS. By means of the manual stopkey STK, the tape, during a sensing operation, may be stopped asdesired.

The latch L also has two outputs, one output being connected to anamplifier 313 and the other output being connected to an amplifier 314.The output of the amplifier 313 is connectable to the magnet 109 throughparallelly connected normally closed contacts Rla and R2a of relays R1and R2, respectively. The output of the amplifier 314 is connected tothe magnet 150. The magnets 109 and are both connected to the +150 voltsupply. The relay R1 is connected between the +48 volt supply and groundpotential through normally closed contacts C5 and C6 operated by thetension arms 28 and 47, respectively, and normally closed contacts C1operated by the tape sensing lever 212. The normally closed contacts C1,C5 and C6 are opened when tape 20 is placed in position. Hence, whenthere isnt a tape 20 in the tape path, the relay R1 is energized. Oncethe relay R1 becomes energized, it may remain energized through itsnormally open contact R112 and a normally closed cont-act R3a of a relayR3. Therefore, so long as relay R3 does not become energized and ifrelay R1 becomes energized, it will remain energized even though tape 20has been inserted in place to open contacts C1, C5 and C6.

Before discussing the electrical connections of relay R3, theconnections of a relay R2 will be considered. The relay R2 is connectedbetween the +48 volt supply and ground potential through normally closedcontacts C3, C7 and C8 connected in series. The contact C3 is operatedby the tape sensing lever 267, and the contacts C7 and C8 are operatedby tension arms 38 and 57, respectively. The normally closed contactsC3, C7 and C8 are opened upon insertion of tape 30. Hence, prior toinsertion of tape 30, the relay R2 becomes energized. The relay R2 maybe maintained energized, even though the contacts C3, C7 and C8 maysubsequently be opened upon insertion of tape 30, by means of its ownnormally open contacts R21) connected in series with normally closedcontacts Rta of a relay R4. Of course, with any of the contacts C3, C7and C8 open, the relay R2 will become de-energized when the relay R4becomes energized. The relays R3 and R4 are effectively under control ofthe tape ready levers 226 and 273, respectively. The relay R3 isconnected between the +48 volt supply and ground potential through thenormally open contacts C2 operated by the tape ready lever 226, seriesconnected with normally open contacts R20 of relay R2. The relay R4 isconnected to ground potential and to the transfer contact of thenormally open contacts C4 operated by the tape ready lever 273. Thestationary contact C4 is connected to the stationary contact of normallyopen contacts Rid of relay R1. The transfer contact Rld is connected tothe +48 volt supply. It is thus seen that the relays R3 and R4 maybecome energized only when the tape ready levers 226 and 273 aredepressed to close the contacts C2 and C4 and the relays R2 and R1 areenergized, respectively.

The solenoids 190 and are connected between the +48 volt supply andground potential through normally open contacts R1 0 of the relay R1 andnormally open contacts R241 of the relay R2, respectively. Hence, the

solenoids 190 and 170 become energized whenever the relays R1 and R2become energized.

In order that only light source 291 will be on when sensing tape 20 andonly light source 292 is on when sensing tape 30, the light sources 291and 292 are connected between the +48 volt supply and ground potentialthrough normally open contacts R22 of relay R2 and Rle of relay R1,respectively. Additionally, the coil windings of the motor M for drivingthe capstan 100 are connected through normally open and closed contactsR1 of the relay R1. With the relay R1 de-energized, the motor M isconnected to drive capstan 100 in a clockwise direction. When the relayR1 is energized, the contacts R11 are transferred and the motor M isconnected to rotate the capstan 100 counterclockwise.

From the foregoing, it may be generalized that relay R1 and, therefore,solenoid 1% will not be energized while tape 20 is being sensed.Further, under these conditions, the capstan 100 is rotating in aclockwise direction to feed the tape 20 downward. In addition, relay R2will be energized while sensing tape 20 and, therefore, light source 2%will be on. Light source 292 will be off because relay R1 isde-energized. Of course, to feed tape 20, magnet 109 will be energizedand magnet 150 will be de-energized. On the other hand, when sensingtape 30, the relay R2 will be de-energized and the relay R1 energized.Since relay R2 is de-energized, the solenoid 170 will be de-energized.Further, the light source 292 will be on and the light source 291 off.Again, the magnet 109 will be energized and the magnet 150 de-energized,and the capstan 100 will be rotating in a counterclockwise direction todrive the tape 30 downward relative to the sensing mechanism 40.

Mode of operation The operation of the tape reader will be described,assuming that there isnt a tape 20 or 30 inserted into position.Accordingly, the first step is for the machine operator to close theswitch PS and thereby apply power to the control apparatus. Afterclosing the switch PS, the relays R1 and R2 will become energizedbecause the contacts C1, C5, C6 and contacts C3, C7 and C8 are closedbecause tapes 20 and 30 have not been placed in the reader at this time.With the relays R1 and R2 energized, the solenoids 190 and 1'70 willboth be energized and light sources 291 and 292 will both be on.Further, the magnet 109 could not be energized since the contacts R111and R211 are both open to interrupt the circuit.

Under the condition of having both solenoids 1% and 170 energized, thetape paths will be clear for easy insertion of either tape 20 or tape30. Hence, either tape 20 or tape 30 may be inserted and the descriptionwill continue under the assumption that tape 20 is inserted first. Afterinsertion of tape 20, the relay R1 will still be energized because, eventhough the contacts C and C6 are opened, the contact 01 still beingclosed, the relay R1 willremain energized through the now closed contactR117 and the normally closed contacts R30, the relay R3 beingdc-energized because the tape ready ever 226 has not been depressed toclose the contacts C2. With the tape in place, the tape ready lever 226may be depressed to close the contacts C2 and thereby cause the relay R3to become energized because the relay R2 is energized at this time,thereby having closed the contacts R20.

When the relay R3 becomes energized, the relay R1 de-energizes becausethe contacts R311 open, thereby interrupting the hold circuit for therelay R1. With the relay R1 de-energized, the contacts Rif aretransferred to the normal position and the motor M is rotating to drivethe capstan 100 clockwise, which is the proper direction of rotation foreffecting the downward feeding of the tape 20 relative to the sensingmechanism 40. Further, when the relay R1 became tie-energized, thesolenoid 190 became de-energized and thereby moved the armatures 108 and151 into the range of attraction of the magnets 109 and 151),respectively. The solenoid 190, as it de-energizes, will also actuatethe tape ready lever 226 to cause the opening of contacts C2. With thesolenoid 1&0 de-energized, the spring 237 returns the core 191 to itsdownward position. The solenoid core 191, in moving downward, engagesthe outwardly projecting arm 234 of the tape ready lever 226 to move thesame counterclockwise and thereby rotate the shaft 227 to effect theopening of the contacts C2. Opening of the contacts C2 causes the relayR3 to become (ls-energized. Although relay R3 becomes tie-energized, therelay R1 will not become energized at this time because the contacts C1,C5, C6 and Rlb are open. With the relay R1 still de-energized, the lightsource 292 will be off because the contacts Rle are open. Hence, thelight source 292 will not interfere with the sensing of the tape 20.

Reviewing the conditions of the control means at this time, it is seenthat the relay R1 is de-energized and the relay R2 is still energized.Consequently, the capstan 1th) is rotating in a clockwise direction; thelight source 291 is on and the light source 2 is off; the armatures 103and 151 are in the range of attraction and the armaturcs 136 and 152 areout of the range of attraction of the magnets 1d? and 150, respectively.The magnet 109 is capable of being energized, and the tape sensing lever212 is against the tape 20 while the tape sensing lever 267 is out ofthe tape path. The tape 21? may now be fed relative to the sensingmechanism by depressing the start key SK to cause the latch L to have anoutput to the amplifier 313 and thereby effect the energization of themagnet 109 through the closed contact Rla. Of course, the magnet 109will also become energized at this time if a start signal is applied tothe terminal 311. With the start key SK depressed or with a start signalapplied to the terminal 311, the latch L will be in a state whereby themagnet 109 is energized and the magnet 150 is de-energized. Uponenergization of the magnet 109 and de-energization of magnet 150, thearmature 108 is attracted to the pole piece surfaces 121 and .122 of themagnet 11% and the armature 151 is permitted to just drag on the tape 20under the influence of the spring With the armature 1&8 attracted by themagnet 109, the friction drive roller 1% is brought into contact withthe tape 29 to urge it against the rotating capstan to effect downwardfeeding of the tape 20. The armature 108 is rapidly attracted to themagnet 109, upon energization thereof, because the armature members 114and 115 connected by base member 113 straddle the tape 20 to lie inclose proximity to the pole piece surfaces 121 and 123. Because thearmature 108 is rapidly attracted to the magnet 1&9, the tape 20 startsto feed almost instantly and, after a brief period of acceleration, thetape is fed at approximately a constant rate relative to the sensingmechanism 40. The reels 21 and 23 for paying out and taking up the tape29 are driven in the usual manner by the servo-mechanism to enable thecapstan 100 to feed the tape at a constant speed. Of course, when thetape 20 is to stop feeding, the reels 21 and 23 are also stopped fromrotating. The condition of the latch L may be switched upon the sensingmechanism 40 detecting a stop perforation or combination of perforationsin the tape 20.

When the state of the latch L is switched, the magnets 109 andsimultaneously become de-energized and energized, respectively, to stopthe feeding of the tape 20. When the magnet 1 19 becomes :de-energizedand the magnet 150 energized, the armature 108 is returned away from themagnet 109 by the spring 142 and the armature 151 is attracted to themagnet 150. As the armature 108 returns under the influence of thespring 142, the friction drive roller 104- is moved out of engagementwith the tape 20. Hence, the tape 20 will not be held against thecapstan 105! to be driven thereby. The armature 151, which had beendragging on the tape 20, will rapidly arrest the movement thereof, uponenergization of the magnet 150, by pressing the tape against the fiatsurface of the rectangular tubing 153 adjacent to the tape path. Themembers 161 and 162 connected by the base member 156 of the armature 151also straddle the tape 20 so as to lie in close proximity to the polepiece stir-faces. By this arrangement, the caliper of the tape is not afactor which could slow the response of the armature 151 when the magnetis energized. Another start signal applied to the terminal 311 willcause the latch L to again change states and the magnets 109 and 150will again simultaneously be energized and deenergized to start thefeeding of the tape 20.

While the tape 20 is being sensed, the tape 30 may be inserted intoposition to be ready for sensing upon completion of the sensing of tape20. Assuming now that tape 20 is being sensed and tape 30 has beenpositioned in the tape path, the tape path at this time is clear of thearmatures 136 and 152 and the tape sensing lever 267. The relay R2 willstill be energized, but the contacts C3, C7 and C8 will be open. Withthe tape 30 in position, the tape ready lever 273 may be depressed tobring the tape sensing lever 267 against the tape 30 and to closecontacts C4 to enable the relay R4 to become energized when the relay R1again becomes energized upon runout of tape 20. The solenoid will stillbe energized at this time because relay R2 is still energized. The lightsource 292 is still off. The reader is now ready to sense the standbytape 30 when the tape 20 runs out.

When tape 20 runs out, the relay R1 becomes energized. Therefore, thesolenoid 190 also becomes energized. Consequently, the armatures 108 and151 and the tape sensing lever 212 are moved to a remote position out ofthe tape path. Relay R3 is still de-energized, and, therefore, relay R1remains energized through the hold circuit of the normally closedcontact R3a and the now closed contact Rlb. When relay R1 becameenergized as the tape 20 ran out, the contact Rld was closed to completethe circuit for energizing relay R4. With relay R4 energized, thecircuit for holding the relay R2 energized is broken, or interrupted,and, consequently, relay R2 becomes de-energized. As the relay R2tie-energizes and the relay R1 becomes energized, the light source 291for sensing tape 20 turns off and the light source 292 for sensing tape30 turns on. This arrangement permits a single series of lightresponsive elements 306 to be utilized for sensing both tapes 20 and 30.

Additionally, when the relay R2 de-energizes, the solenoid 170 alsode-energizes and the spring 284 returns the solenoid core 241, which inturn actuates the linkage to bring the armatures 136 and 152 into therange of attraction of the magnets 109 and 150, respectively. Also, asthe solenoid 170 de-energizes, the solenoid core 241, returned by thespring 284, engages the ofiset arm 283 on the tape ready lever 273,which is being held in the depressed position by the spring 276, torotate the lever 273 clockwise and thereby restore the same and open thecontacts C4.

The capstan 100 will be rotating in the proper direction,counterclockwise, to feed the tape 30 relative to the sensing mechanism40 because the relay R1 is energized. Since at the time tape 20 ran out,a stop signal had not been received and the magnet 109 is stillenergized; hence, tape 30 will start feeding automatically. The feedingof the tape 30 relative to the sensing mechanism 40 will start as thearmature 136 is attracted by the energized magnet 109 to bring orproject the friction drive roller 139 against the tape 30 and therebyhold the same in driving engagement with the capstan 100. Since thearmature 108 is out of the range of attraction of the energized magnet109, the friction drive roller 104 will not be projected against thecapstan 100 because the solenoid is energized, and the tape path willremain clear for insertion of a new tape 20.

After a new tape 20 is inserted during the sensing of the tape 30, thetape ready lever 226 is depressed; however, the relay R3 does not becomeenergized until the relay R2 is again energized, and this does not occuruntil tape 30 runs out. Hence, upon runout of tape 30, tape 20 will beready for sensing and controls, as previously described, will beoperated to permit the sensing of tape 20. The cycle of events continuesin the manner described and the tape reader may operate continuously.

From the above, it is seen that the tapes may be sensed continuously.Further, it is seen that the tapes may be sensed at a relatively highcharacter rate and that the apparatus for feeding the tapes relative tothe sensing mechanism may arrest the tapes upon receiving anendof-record signal without moving a new record relative to the sensingmechanism so as to require storage for the sensed data which is notready for processing. Also, it is seen that one tape may be sensed whileanother tape is threaded into a standby position. The tape may be placedinto the standby position without any interferences from the mechanismfor driving and arresting the tapes. It is also seen that, if desired, atape may be rewound while another tape is being sensed. While the tapereader may operate continuously, a common sensing means is utilized forsensing tapes fed in different feed paths relative to the sensingmechanism.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in theart, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is theintention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope ofthe following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine for processing data bearing records fed in record pathsalong two sides of a record processing station,

(a) a bidirectional rotatable drive capstan;

(b) means for selectively rotating said drive capstan in a predetermineddirection;

(0) a first magnet spaced from and positioned in line with said drivecapstan, said first magnet having space pole pieces disposed adjacentsaid record paths;

(d) a pair of pivotally mounted armatures associated with said firstmagnet and having depending elements adapted to straddle said records,said armatures each carrying friction drive rollers adapted to cooperatewith said capstan to feed the records upon said first magnet beingenergized;

(e) a second magnet spaced from said first magnet and positioned in linetherewith, said second magnet having spaced pole pieces disposedadjacent to said record paths;

(1) anvil members disposed between said spaced pole pieces and adjacentto said record paths;

(g) a pair of pivotally mounted armatures associated with said secondmagnet and having depending elements disposed to straddle said recordsand a cross member connecting said depending elements to engage saidrecords and press the same against said anvil members upon said secondmagnet being energized;

(h) a first set of linkage-s interconnecting one of the armaturesassociated with said first magnet with one of the armatures associatedwith said second magnet, said first set of linkages being selectivelyoperable to move said one armature out of the range of attraction ofsaid first and second magnets;

(i) a second set of linkages interconnecting the other armatureassociated with said first magnet and with the other armature associatedwith said second magnet, said second set of linkages being selectivelyoperable to move said other armatures out of the range of attraction ofsaid first and second magnets;

(j) means for selectively energizing said first and second magnets tothereby selectively feed and arrest the records;

(k) a sensing mechanism adapted to sense the records fed in thedifferent record paths;

(1) first means adjacent to one path of the record paths and operablefor enabling the sensing mechanism to sense the record fed in that path;

(m) second means adjacent to the other path of said record paths andoperable for enabling the sensing mechanism to sense the record fed inthat path; and

(n) means for selectively rendering said first and second means operableto enable the sensing mechanism to sense the records fed.

2. In a machine for processing records fed in record paths along twosides of a record processing station,

(a) A sensing mechanism positioned between said record paths to sensethe records fed in the different record paths,

([1) first means adjacent to one path of the record paths and operablefor enabling the sensing mechanism to sense the record fed in thatrecord path,

(0) second means adjacent to the other path of said record paths andoperable for enabling said sensing mechanism to sense the record fed inthat path, and

(d) means for selectively rendering said first and second means operableto enable the sensing mechanism to sense the records fed.

3. In a machine for processing records bearing data in the form ofperforations fed in records paths along two slides of a recordprocessing station,

(a) a light responsive element positioned between said record paths,

(b) light sources located adjacent said record paths,

(0) means for directing light passing from either of said light sourcesthrough perforations in said records to said light responsive element,and

(d) energizing means for energizing only the light source associatedwith the particular record being fed relative to the sensing mechanism.

4. In a machine for processing records as in claim 3 further comprising(a) light choppers positioned between said light sources and saidrecords to facilitate the sensing of the data carried by the records athigh speed.

5. In a machine for processing records as in claim 3 further comprising(at) detecting means for detecting the presence of records in saidrecord paths, and

(b) means for connecting said energizing means under control of saiddetecting means whereby, upon runout of one data record, the lightsource associated with said one data record is de-energized and thelight source associated with the non-runout data record is energized.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,169,842 8/ 39Kannenberg 25022O 2,727,683 12/55 Allen et al 250209 X 2,916,624 12/59Angel et al 250219.1 3,037,077 5/ 62 Williams et al. 250220 X 3,052,4059/62 Woodland 23561.115

RALPH G. NILSON, Primary Examiner. WALTER STOLWEIN, Examiner.

3. IN A MACHINE FOR PROCESSING RECORDS BEARING DATA IN THE FORM OFPERFORATIONS FED IN RECORDS PATHS ALONG TWO SLIDES OF A RECORDPROCESSING STATION, (A) A LIGHT RESPONSIVE ELEMENT POSITIONED BETWEENSAID RECORD PATHS, (B) LIGHT SOURCES LOCATED ADJACENT SAID RECORD PATHS,(C) MEANS FOR DIRECTING LIGHT PASSING FROM EITHER OF SAID LIGHT SOURCESTHROUGH PERFORATIONS IN SAID RECORDS TO SAID LIGHT RESPONSIVE ELEMENT,AND (D) ENERGIZING MEANS FOR ENERGIZING ONLY THE LIGHT SOURCE ASSOCIATEDWITH THE PARTICULAR RECORD BEING FED RELATIVE TO THE SENSING MECHANISM.